I put a lot of time and effort into giving people personal responses where possible. It can be hard work - here is my inbox after the last newsletter I sent out. Even though it is an "inefficient" use of my time and "wasteful" of my capabilities, I feel that giving 1:1 encouragement is actually my primary daily task. Not insightful writing, or pretty pictures. They are just means to an end.

The objective is we all stay focused on peace, hope, and joy; and not succumb to conflict, despair, or fear. I have my wobbly days, too; we all do. I know that the hundreds of thousands of ❤️s I gave out on Twitter made people feel like they were participating fully in making history together. It was worth it, even if my kids made fun of me for it.

Others encourage me in turn when I feel weak or weary. There have been some difficult phone calls from afar with "stranger frens" when I was really struggling and they sensed I needed help too. Those who gave me support in hard times know what I mea